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Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday of many because it’s a time when we get together with loved ones, give thanks, watch football, and, of course, FEAST! We want your four-legged friends to enjoy this time of year, too, but we also want them to be safe from the food and weather-related dangers. Consider the following Thanksgiving pet safety tips by Kootenai Animal Hospital in Post Falls, ID to make your turkey day with your dog or cat a happy one.

Good Table Food vs. Bad Table Food

With those big eyes staring up at you and that soft chin resting on your knee, it can be hard to resist giving your pet some scraps from your Thanksgiving dinner. Although there are some table foods like green beans and other green veggies that are harmless to pets there are others that aren’t, so it’s important to know the difference. Remember to check your trash can to make sure it’s securely closed and inaccessible by your pet, so they don’t go digging for scraps.

Turkey: Turkey is a lean protein that provides many health benefits to both pets and people, so feel free to share a few scraps with your fur baby. Just be sure to give them only the white meat and to remove any excess skin or fat. Too much fatty food can cause pancreatitis, which can leave your pet in pain. It’s also important not to feed your pet any turkey with bones in it, since bones can lead to digestive and obstruction issues.

Mashed Potatoes: If not prepared with a great deal of dairy products like cheese, butter, or sour cream, potatoes are typically safe to feed to your pet. The gravy, however, is not, due to its high fat content.

Onions: Onions and other alliums (garlic, scallions, etc.) are also a no-no for pets. In large amounts, these foods can be toxic to your pet and can affect the red blood cells, leading to anemia, so if you’re feeding your pet scraps, make sure they’re free of these ingredients.

Sweet Foods: On the list of sweet foods that should never be fed to dog or cats are grapes, raisins, chocolate, and food with xylitol (sugar substitute). These foods contain toxic ingredients that can cause a number of health problems for your pet, including vomiting, diarrhea, hypoglycemia, and even kidney failure.

Cold Weather Safety

Here in Idaho, late fall temps can get pretty chilly, so we at Kootenai Animal Hospital want to remind you to keep your pet warm and healthy during the cooler months of the year. Of course, the one obvious way to keep your pet warm is to keep them indoors and limiting their playtime and walk time outdoors when temps are frigid. You may even want to consider purchasing a dog or cat sweater to provide your pet with an extra layer of warmth and protection, especially if you have a hairless or short-haired pet.

Another potential cold weather danger is antifreeze. Many antifreeze products are made with ethylene glycol, which creates a sweet smell and taste. This is what attracts so many animals to it and causes them to drink it, but ingesting even a couple table spoons can be deadly. To protect your pet, switch to an antifreeze brand that’s made with propylene glycol, which, although still dangerous if ingested, is much less toxic. You can also simply be mindful of any antifreeze spills in your garage or driveway, and make sure the containers are properly sealed and stowed away, out of your pet’s reach.

If you ever suspect that your pet has ingested antifreeze or a toxic food, or if you have any questions about these Thanksgiving pet safety tips, contactKootenai Animal Hospital in Post Falls at (208) 773-6000.

The temperature is soaring, and it’s only going to get hotter. Make sure you know how to keep your cat safe in the summer heat.

cat is in the garden

Watch out forheatstroke. Symptoms include panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting and collapse. If you think your cat may have heatstroke, get the vet ASAP — the condition can cause permanent organ damage and death. Learn more about heatstroke in pets.

Offer your cat several ways to cool off. Leave a fan on in a place where your cat can sit in front of it, add some ice cubes to her water or offer her a cool treat (check out our recipe for catsicles.)

Letyour cat find cool spots in the house. Your cat will seek out the cooler parts of your home, so make sure she has access to areas with tile floors or rooms that don’t get much sun.

Play in the morning or evening. Any exercise should take place during the cooler hours of the day. This is especially important for young kittens and seniors, both of whom are very vulnerable to heatstroke. (If your cat has just eaten, make sure you give her some time to digest before you begin playtime.)

Pyometra: An Overview

The word pyometra is derived from the Latin words “pyo” meaning pus and “metra” meaning uterus. Thus pyometra literally means pus filled uterus and that is exactly what the condition is. The infection normally occurs in middle-aged or older, non-spayed female dogs. Symptoms normally will present 4-6 weeks after a female dog has been in heat. There are two types of pyometra, closed and open. In open pyometra the cervix of the animal remains open while in closed pyometra the cervix is closed. Closed pyometra is more severe due to the fact that there is no way for the uterus to drain the infection inside it.

Causes of Pyometra

The main causes of pyometra are hormonal and structural changes in the lining of the uterus. Over many heat cycles the lining of the uterus thickens and in some instances this can become persistent. When the lining becomes persistent it is termed cystic endometrial hyperplasia. This persistent thick lining provides a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Under normal circumstances the uterus is free of any bacteria. When the bitch is in heat the cervix is open and bacteria from the vulva can travel up into the uterus. Once there, the bacteria can thrive and will eventually lead to the uterus filling with pus. The main bacterium associated with this infection is E. coli. Estrogen injections given to prevent pregnancy in bitches that have been accidentally bred increase the risk of developing pyometra greatly and should be avoided.

Preventing Pyometra

Pyometra can be prevented by having your female pets spayed early in their life.

Symptoms of Pyometra

Clinical signs of pyometra vary from case to case but can include:

not eating

vomiting

lethargy

increased water intake

increased urination

In open pyometra there may be a pussy white or green colored discharge from the vulva. There may also be a foul smell being emitted from the vulva. In cases of closed pyometra the abdomen may look bloated or swollen due to the uterus being filled with pus. Clinical signs are not normally seen until the condition is in the late stages. Pyometra can progress rapidly and even cause shock or death due to toxins being leaked through the uterine wall into the abdomen of the bitch.

Care for Dogs with Pyometra

If your animal has been diagnosed with pyometra it is very important to follow you veterinarian’s instructions carefully. If antibiotics are prescribed be sure to give the correct dose at the intervals specified. Always complete the round of antibiotics given. Do not stop giving them because your dog acts better. Following treatment the bitch should be monitored and her activity restricted. Encourage your dog to eat and drink to keep them hydrated. Any abnormal signs observed should be reported to your veterinarian and a follow up appointment should be scheduled.

The veterinary team at Kootenai Animal Hospital is committed to providing exceptional care to our patients, and that means utilizing the latest in diagnostic technology. We have upgraded to digital x-rays as a part of our commitment to providing the best.

Why Digital X-Rays?

Digital equipment yields higher quality imaging that results in a number of benefits. Because digital technology takes clearer images, requiring fewer retakes and therefore less exposure to radiation for your pet!

When we invested in our digital technology system, our intention was to provide top-of-the-line care to our patients. Our digital technology is a state-of-the-art system allowing us to conduct full-body and complete dental x-rays. We would love to tell you more about our exceptional technology and how it benefits you and your pet. Contact our team today for more information.

1. Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals.

2. Always assign a dog guardian. No matter where you’re celebrating, be sure to assign a friend or member of the family to keep an eye on your pooch-especially if you’re not in a fenced-in yard or other secure area.

3. Made in the shade. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water, and make sure they have a shady place to escape the sun.

4. Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of paws’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing-or even kidney disease in severe cases.

5. Keep your pet on his normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea.

6. Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingesting any of these items can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression in your pets, and if inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia.

7. Never leave your dog alone in the car. Traveling with your dog means occasionally you’ll make stops in places where he’s not permitted. Be sure to rotate dog walking duties between family members, and never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.

8. Make a safe splash. Don’t leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers.

Does your dog throw up in the car when you go for rides? He may be experiencing typical motion sickness, just like some people do. Motion sickness usually begins very shortly after starting the car ride. The dog will begin to drool and then vomit. It’s not serious, but certainly not something that we like to clean up! To solve the problem, first try acclimating the dog to car rides. Do this by simply putting him in the car for a few minutes each day without going anywhere. Then try just going down the driveway and back, and the next day going around the block. Gradually build up the distance and time the dog rides in the car.

Sometimes this will help to decrease the dog’s anxiety over riding in the car and may help to decrease vomiting. If that doesn’t work, there are some over-the-counter medications you can try. The medication will need to be given about an hour before the car ride. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation as to what drug to try and the dosage for your pet.

(Never give any medications to your pet without your veterinarian’s advice!) These drugs are safe, with drowsiness usually the only major side effect. But since your dog isn’t driving the car, that shouldn’t be a problem! If over-the-counter drugs don’t work, your veterinarian may be able to suggest another method for curing the car sickness.

Summer means enjoying the weather, and for most, with your pet! Remember to keep your pet healthy this summer by keeping them safe in the summer’s high temperatures.

Here are just some of the ways you can help ensure your pets have a safe summer:

Visit the Vet. A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. Pets should also be given a blood test for heartworm every year in the early spring. The deadly parasite is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it is recommended that dogs and cats be on a monthly preventive medication year-round.

Keep Cool. Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly, so give your pets plenty of water when it is hot outdoors. Also make sure your pet has a shady place to escape the sun, and when the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt.

Know the Symptoms. Some symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures, and an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

Summertime is the perfect time for a backyard barbeque or party, but remember to keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression, comas, or even death. Similarly, remember that the snacks you serve your friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments.” Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.

Water Safety is Pet-friendly. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool, as not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure pets wear flotation devices while on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.

Two major national pet stores are pulling all dog and cat treats made inChinaoff of their shelves as years of complaints to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pile up that jerky treats fromChinawere possibly making pets sick.

Vice President of Merchandising for Petco John Sturm said they are voluntarily removing these products after consumers voiced concerns.

Another major pet food retailer, PetSmart, is pulling Chinese-made jerky treats from its stores in theU.S.andCanada.

The treats have been linked to more than 1,000 dog deaths and nearly 5,000 other pet illnesses.

The FDA said it’s still working to determine the exact causes of the illnesses.

While the products won’t actually disappear from PetSmart shelves until March of 2015, Petco plans to pull the products by the end of this year.

As pet owners, it’s important for us to be aware of the many new safety concerns that appear in the wintertime. Sidewalk salt and ice melt are often used during the winter months and can be tracked from the streets and sidewalks to inside the house. Because these products are actually toxic for pets if consumed, it is important to always make sure your house is safe and salt-free. We recommend gently washing your pet’s feet with warm water and mild soap when they come inside to keep dangerous chemicals from being tracked through the house. We also recommend keeping your pet from licking the salt off their feet. If you’re concerned about keeping your pet safe, many home supply or hardware stores now carry pet-safe ice melt products, but remember that city trucks that sprinkle salt on the streets are always using the poisonous kind.

We all know our pets pretty well, but what we don’t always realize is that stress can make anybody do crazy things! When you have holiday guests or flashing Christmas lights or loud holiday music—or all of the above—at your house all at once, your pet may get stressed and frustrated, causing them to act out in unexpected ways. Most pet accidents are met with the statement, “He’s never done anything like that before!”

We recommend always making sure that your pet has a safe place to sit and relax during your holidays parties. Just like some people, pets need to get away from the action and de-stress, but most of the time they don’t know how to ask for their space. If your pet is comfortable in their crate, we recommend moving it into a quiet room and letting them spend some time resting during your holiday get-togethers. Your pet will be happier, and by extension, you and your guests will be happier! And holidays disasters will be prevented.